I will readily admit that I like having tidy neighbors. I fully agree that junk and yard clutter decrease the value of property resale.
I am also happy to hear that Virginia is considering a law to overrule the local POA's policy against hanging one's clothes to dry outside.
There are over 300,000 Property Owner's Associations in the US and many of them have adopted a policy to disallow clotheslines.
I initially thought this to be a good thing, but as my understanding of environmental impact and cost savings has grown, I've changed my ideology. I think that homeowner rights and efforts to decrease utility costs out weigh the Property Owner's Association rationale for policing how a homeowner dries their clothes.
According to the New York Times article "Debate Follows Bills to Remove Clotheslines Bans" many states have already taken away the POA's right to ban outside drying and Virginia is among others that are moving that direction. The article points out that clothes dryers account for about 6% of the normal household's total electric bill.
I think there is a compromise. I don't wish to see my neighbor's underwear dangling in the wind for days at a time, so perhaps clothes drying could be contained to daylight hours, etc...
The world is changing, many homeowners find solace in their ability to take actions that will help the environment and will continue to fight for those rights. Admittedly I find that there is an generational barrier to this issue. Those of the Baby Boomer and Silent generation are not thrilled with the ideology of the predominantly Generation X and Y, that would rather sacrifice a small bit of ascetics for a better earth. I happen to think the POA policies against solar energy collectors will be the next article up for grabs.
Mindset and beliefs will be challenged as Generation X and Y become more active in "making the sausage". POA committees that have predominantly been made up of older generations may start finding some new challengers.
This weekend I participated in my first Oktoberfest. It was a neighborhood get-together with friends coming together to enjoy the nip in the air, try a few beers, and stuff themselves with some great German food!
For someone who does not drink beer or eat sauerkraut, I still had a great time! Just getting to know your neighbors a little bit better and to create a deeper relationship makes you feel like family. And since our families are often in another town or state, it’s important to have friends that you feel like you can call upon during an emergency or just to chat with!
This is the first neighborhood I have ever lived in where we have participated in neighborhood get-together on a regular basis. And I love it! If your neighborhood or street has never had a block party, consider hosting one!
Plan the date 2 months in advice and send out flyers right away
Ask everyone to bring a drink and dish to share
Provide the paper products, tables, and electrical outlets
Have business cards with your Facebook/Twitter info on the back so you can continue to stay in touch between gatherings
Message from the County Administrator September, 2009
This message is the ninth in 2009 to better update our citizens and visitors to the website. The information serves as a status report for ongoing projects, and also serves as a preview to different happenings that are in the planning stages.
County government offices will be closed Monday, September 7 in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Offices will reopen at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 8.
The Board of Supervisors will hold its regular meetings this month on Tuesday, September 8 and Tuesday, September 22 at 6 p.m. at the Community Services Center.
The Board of Supervisors and Public School Board will have a joint meeting at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 17 at the Community Services Center.
The Board of Supervisors will also host the Regional Elected Officials Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 29 at the Visitor Center.
Tuesday, September 1 will be Bring Your Child to Work Day for County government employees. This is an opportunity for children and grandchildren of County employees to observe and better understand the responsibilities of their parents and grandparents in the workplace.
The State Fair of Virginia will hold its first State Fair in Caroline County September 24 – October 4 at its new site at Meadow Farm. The Board of Supervisors will participate in a ribbon cutting ceremony at 9 a.m. Thursday, September 24. State Fair President Curry Roberts will give a report at the September 8 meeting of the Board of Supervisors on the upcoming Fair events.
County Staff will continue this month meeting with individual members of the Board of Supervisors in establishing short and long-range strategic goals for the County.
Caroline County will continue its effort this month to promote the All-America Cities Award that was captured in June.
All county residents are encouraged to register for the Caroline Alert System. The system will notify residents of emergencies and other government news through their cell phones and desktop computers. This is a free service offered by the Board of Supervisors. Click on www.CarolineAlert.com to register.
Here is a capsule glance of other activities that will be happening in County government during the month of August:
The Parks and Recreation Department will begin soccer and youth football games this month. Contact the office at (804) 633-7277 for information on these programs and other offerings.
The Board of Supervisors will continue this month to discuss the update to the County’s Comprehensive Plan.
At the request of Chairman Acors, County Staff has put together a 2010 Census Team which will be charged with assisting with the identification of every County resident for the 2010 Census. The first meeting will be in October.
County staff and consultants continue to work on a proposal that will allow the County to withdraw water from the Rappahannock River in the future. The Department of Environmental Quality must grant its approval before water can be withdrawn.
The Dawn Wastewater Project is nearing completion of its first phase, with almost 200 homes to be served. Residents interested in signing up for Phase II are asked to contact the Utility Department at (804) 633-4386.
The Utility Department will continue this month to oversee the drilling of new wells to increase potential for new water quantity in the County.
The Utility Department will continue to provide the residents of Lake Caroline with water because of a failed system operated by the Lake Caroline Water System. A hearing is planned before the State Corporation Commission in October to sort out the future plans to provide water to the residents.
The Board of Supervisors adopted at its August 25 meeting an incentive package for Fire and Rescue Volunteers as recommended by the Emergency Services Commission.
The Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing at its September 22 meeting on an ordinance that would create a Housing Stimulus Package that will look to provide a boost to local builders.
The Board of Supervisors will have under consideration at its September 22 meeting a lease agreement with the Public School Division regarding the use of the old Ladysmith Elementary School.
A request to rezone property by the Flippo family for the purpose of a residential subdivision along Route 207 next to Belmont has been delayed indefinitely at the request of the property owner.
The Board of Supervisors has delayed action indefinitely at the request of the owner a proposal to locate a mulch plant (Norfleet) along Route 2.
The Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing at its September 8 meeting on a text amendment establishing Guest Quarters at the location of Ladysmith Floor and Lumber.
The Board of Supervisors approved at its August 25 meeting an ordinance to establish a Wireless Service Authority.
An agreement is close involving the negotiations between the County and Metrocast regarding a TV Cable Franchise agreement. A public hearing will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 22 as part of the Board of Supervisors meeting.
County Staff will continue to work with regional officials to expand the use of the Lloyd Boxley Cannery located along Route 301 south. The County is accepting applications for three part-time positions.
Economic Development Director Gary Wilson will introduce a new signage program at the September 8 meeting of the Board of Supervisors to compliment a recently-adopted Technology Zone ordinance.
The Board of Supervisors will entertain First Reading of an ordinance amendment at its September 8 meeting to codify the duties and responsibilities of the Fire-EMS Chief.
The Board of Supervisors at its September 8 meeting will receive an annual report from MediCorp Health Services.
The Board of Supervisors will discuss at its September 22 meeting future water plans for Caroline Pines subdivision.
Caroline public and private schools open September 8. Please be mindful of children walking in school zones and around school busses. Have a great month!
Good morning Ladies and Gents! We're back from our vacation from Nags Head, NC. It was very nice! I had not been there in almost 10 years! And I'm thankful that the trip did not seem as long this time - especially since I thought we were going to Sandbridge outside of Virginia Beach.
Anyway, being a real estate agent and visiting such a unique area with such a variety of beach houses made me feel excited! I rode down the beach playing the "no, yes" game from my youth - for "which home would you buy if you could?" And then we visited the Life is Good shop and not I want to redecorate my house with the words of Life is Good - relax, live, have fun, love! Maybe someone here will open a franchise for me! I'm sure it would do well in Ladysmith Village!
One final thought about my vacation (for now) was the difference in landscaping. Some had only the beach grass. But some yards looked like golf courses which seemed a bit out of place to me. But maybe it was because we played Frisbee on the beach instead of on the lawn. But the yards reminded me of an email I received....
I receive the cute newsletter every week from Econobusters.com . I love the layout and the great tips, and this week I asked if I could share their recipe for natural lawn fertilizer! They said yes! So here you go!
Home Made Lawn Fertilizer
Ingredients: One can of soda (any kind except diet soda will work) One can of beer (any kind except light beer) 1/2 cup of household ammonia 1/2 cup of liquid dishwashing soap (do not use antibacterial soap because it will kill important microbes) 1/2 cup of mouthwash
Directions: Mix together all ingredients and pour into a 10-gallon hose-end sprayer, and apply it to the lawn while you water. The soda and beer act as food for the lawn. The ammonia promotes growth and helps make the grass green. The liquid dishwashing soap is a wetting agent and helps the water reach the roots, and the mouthwash actually kills bugs and grubs in the lawn.
Be very careful to use the exact amount listed for each ingredient.The ammonia could kill the grass if too much is used. This fertilizer should only be used once every three to four weeks in high heat, and even less frequently when the temperatures are not hot. It is also important to only use dishwashing soap, dishwashing detergent could be harmful. If you have pets at home, they should also be kept off the lawn for 24 to 36 hours after treatment.
There you have it. I thought a recipe for the actual yard would be a neat twist this time around!
Over the years, I pick up odds and end of tips and tricks. Here are a few that I was reminded about this week:
Trees and fences usually add value to your home. They also use up the nutrients from the ground and it's a bit harder to grow grass under them (unless you don't want grass under your trees!).
Victory gardens and square foot gardening fits into almost every lot and can save you hundreds in fruits and vegetables! And now with freezing you don't even have to worry about canning!
If you're tub has become discolored from your well water, try Iron Out. But when it's time to drain, use a hose to siphon the water out to a distance in your yard instead of letting it drain out through your pipes. It will kill the bacteria in your septic tank - as will other harsh cleaning chemicals.
A leaky toilet can waste 200-400 gallons of water per day costing you BIG BUCKS! Spend the $20 and replace that valve!
If you run out of storage in your home, try going up! Taller bookshelves, hooks on walls, plywood in the attic... Or just get rid of that 20 year old dress that you have not worn in 10 years!
If you need some area service provides, jest ask, I may already have a name!
Those were the random thoughts that came to mind today. Enjoy this beautiful weather!
I have been informed this week of serious concerns related to "For Sale" sign placement in Virginia.
In an effort to help Miss Utility with protecting underground pipes, we are complying with the outreach program's call to action as related to placing "for sale" signs.
The State Corporation Commission has ask us to mark the spot on the lawn where we plan on placing your for sale sign. We will use little white flags instead of the recommended aerosol white spray paint in order to reuse the flags and protect the environment. Then we are to call Miss Utility and give them 48 hours to make any necessary markings to show where pipes may be located. After Miss Utility marks, I need to place the sign 2 feet away from any markings.
This 48 hour wait period will in no way affect placing your home in MLS and the internet - where most home searches begin. But it could help with protecting underground wires, and gas lines.
There's so much to consider when choosing a community. And even though Caroline and Spotsylvania Counties have their own general personalities, each subdivision has it's own feel.
Caroline still tends to be more isolated and rural. The prices are lower for the square footage. But there are more HOAs with fees to go with it. Even the two gated lake communities of Lake Caroline and Lake Land'or have different feels.
Spotsylvania is closer to shopping and community activities but the individual communities do not offer as much within themselves.
What are you looking for in a community?
Here are some items to consider when looking for the right community to make your home:
How far from work do you want to be located? Don't just consider mileage. Actually take the drive during rush hour traffic and see how long it takes to get "home."
How far from civic organizations (church, community ...
What needs need to be met for your family? (Price, size of home, solitude or neighbors for companionship)
What type of activities do you like to participate? If you like to go horseback riding, how far is the closest equestrian center? If you have an RV, is there parking for your RV?
Do you like to garden, do you like to dry you laundry outside on the line? Some communities have restrictions on what you can do to or on your property.
Water and sewer: Do you want to be on community water and sewer or do you want to be on your own well? Do you mind working within the restrictions of an alternative septic system (there's lots of these in Caroline now!).
Do you have to have high speed internet?
Other things you can do to help you find the right community.
Travel though the community at different times of the day - after school, after dinner, on weekends. This will help you get a feel for the age of the members of the community and the noise level.
Review the HOA Docs. Often you can pick up a copy of the HOA docs for $10 - $20. You may even be able to view them online at the community's webpage. It's time well spent before making an offer. Once you make an offer on a home and the full HOA disclosure package is received, you only have about 3 days to review. So the more you can review in advance, the better.
Check the annual dues and compare to how useful they are to you.
When looking at specific homes in the community of your choice, look for
Standing water and proper run off
Check out the neighbors - yards, pets, playground equipment for kids
Parking
Size and usefulness of the lot
There's so much to consider when looking at communities. Don't get overwhelmed. Focus on your top 3 needs and how this area makes you feel, and I'm sure your next place will feel like "home!"
OK, I'll admit it. I'm not that big of an Earth Day fan. I'm not against Earth Day. I just don't go out of my way to celebrate it either. I recycle some things. I'd do more if our trash service offered recycle pick-up. I'm a member of our Caroline Freecycle group. And I try not to waste what we have.
But when it's time to clean out my girls' bedrooms, then I start filling the trash bags!
Earth Day did get me thinking about some of my favorite resources to remind me to take care of the natural supplies that the Lord has given to us.
#1 - Almost any book by Eric Slone.
But I really like this one - Once Upon a Time. I like how it tells you how they made tools out of wood and iron and how they lasted hundreds of years - how very little was wasted. This is what "Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle" means to me. And if it breaks, you could mulch it, burn it, or turn it into something else.
These books are getting back to basics about playing and building. No video games, iPods, or blogging. It's about using scrap materials, building supplies, and imagination. This 3 book set includes: How to Build Treehouses, Huts, & Forts, Fun Projects for You and the Kids and Backyard Ballistics. These books are also sold separately at Vision Forum.
#3 - Little House Books
I love all the Little House books. If I had to make butter or head cheese (eewww!), these books will practically tell you how. You could survive an 8 month winter, grow a garden, and build a sod house!
I also like the Kit Kittredge books by American Girl. Kit's life takes place during WWII and the books give lots of ways that families had to improvise and make the most of the little they had.
#4 - abcTeach has links for Earth Day Worksheets
I like the idea of making little posters to post around the house as reminders to not be wasteful. Check over the page and see if there's something you can use for your family. The top section is free. The bottom section is for members. Other webpages for families:
I just added the tax rates for the local communities (real estate and personal property) to my personal blog. Instead of having stagnant information that could become incorrect, I thought it would be better to give links to the websites with the current tax rates. This should last – unless the county decided to redo their county webpage.
So if you go to CarolineVABlog and scroll back to the top of this blog and click on “Area Information” you’ll find the link. Or just click here, but I thought you might want to know where the info was stored for the future!
Did I miss any localities?
There’s also lots of other info on that page! If you think of something that would be useful on that page, let me know and I’ll try to add it!
It's hard to balance work, family, community service, and all those other items that make each family unique.
Then someone comes around and says "It's time for Spring Cleaning and Maintenance!" - Fun, right?? Not!
We seem to never have enough time to do everything that needs to be done. And yet, new items pop up every day. Johnny needs new shoes by tomorrow. Mr. and Mrs. need to discuses that new budget now. Take food to sick church member.
But if we do not wax the car or maintain our homes, then we loose our investments. Personally I do not think of my home as an "investment," nevertheless it is an investment for a different home for the future. Otherwise you could just rent.
While it's still in the 50's, start gathering those supplies that you'll need when it's in the 70's. Look at that list of repairs that you made during the winter months (if didn't make one, start it today. Your email program should have a task list section that is perfect for this). And make maintenance day a fun project for the whole family! It really is better than watching old movies anyway. Take all those great ideas you learned this winter from Flip This House and HGTV and apply a few in the coming weeks.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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